Sequoia Collection Set - Sale!

Just in time for weddings, ministries, and other summer special events!  Sequoia Collection Sets are now on sale through June 30, 2013.  This set includes customizing 5 sequoia products (large/small clutches or pouches) with your choice of fabric and scripture selections.  This customization option is not offered on other products and at a discount.   Additional products can be added through "add-on" feature.  These clutches will make great gifts of encouragement or the perfect accessory for bridal parties, ministries, growth groups, etc.  For more details and fabric/scripture selections, please visit SHOP!  I look forward to creating a collection for you and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

[Regularly $38 - large clutch, $33 - small clutch, and $22 - for pouch] 

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NICU Journey: Finding my way...God's Way!

So many may ask....what started you on this journey...becoming stronger in your faith, encouraging and ministering to others, blogging, and creating your Sequoia collection?  I must admit that many of those items weren't on my blueprint that I had put together several years ago.  After spending seven years in college to pursue a Bachelors degree in computer engineering and a Masters degree in computer science, I always thought I would find a job that was very flexible, paid well, and allowed time for family life and room for all my many adventures. While working in Northern VA/DC, I had all of those things, but I still had a deep feeling that God wanted more of me and that I was here for a greater purpose.  I didn't know what my purpose was but I wasn't happy where I was! 
In early 2011, I must say that God started a series of events to get my attention on Him and to open my eyes to following His will and not mine.....so the adventure and transformation began.  One of our prayers were answered when God allowed my husband to receive a job in Nashville, TN so that we could be closer to our family.  Of course, we thought we would move once we both had secured jobs and had everything aligned to move...our perfect plan!  Ha!  God worked things out where we had to move within four weeks! A blessing and hectic time all in one!  We were very uncomfortable with God's plan of action because things were upside down.  I had to leave my job without having another job lined up, and I was 21 weeks pregnant with our second child!

So my transition to a stay at home mom (SAHM) began and things were a little tough but we were making it.  Our next life changing event came late August 2011 when Kaleb decided to come early at 25 weeks weighing only 1 lb and 9 ozs.  After we had only been in Nashville for one month, we were dealing with the transition of a new job, one income, and now our little baby was here and fighting for his life.  Kaleb was considered a micro-preemie and spent the first 4 months of his life in the NICU.  Our world was upside down, but through this journey I realized that it wasn't about Kaleb being in the NICU but about my transformation in Christ and allowing him to be in control of everything!  God used that time to show me that Kaleb was physically in the NICU, hooked to machines and feeding tubes.  However, I was there spiritually and that God was feeding my spirit daily to grow my faith.  This point in my life is were I discovered the true meaning of Proverbs 3:5-6.  

Trusting in God is a daily walk and I'm so thankful that my journey has and still reminds me that He is in control and not me!  We are still going through our journey but I thank God that Kaleb is with us and doing so well.  Kaleb is still using a feeding tube and has weekly therapies, but it is a blessing that we aren't where we were and that things are going in such a positive direction.  Seeing Kaleb each day reminds me of God's love, power, and his grace and we are truly thankful.  I am becoming stronger in Christ, praying more about God's direction and will (His time), and learning to be obedient to His Word.
So now I'm at the place where I'm striving daily to fulfill my heart's desire to have my own business but God has shown me that he also wants me to use my business platform and personal experiences to  encourage, inspire, and empower!  With the vision of my Sequoia collection (learn more here), I pray daily that I can use my creative God given talent to serve Him and others.  If it had not been for my NICU journey I wouldn't be where I am today.  Thank you God for helping me to find my way!

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Sequoia Sentiments #2::Matt. 19:26

This week's Sequoia sentiment is Matthew 19:26:

I love the fact that this scripture reveals the magnitude of God's power!  If we truly believe and tap into that same power which he gave to us, we are unstoppable!  God's word clearly shows that in the natural things or circumstances may look or seem impossible.  But my God.......when he sent his ONLY begotten son to die for our sins, we are granted all the blessings and greatness that he has in store for us!  Realize that the Bible didn't say we wouldn't go through test and trials; however, when we keep our eyes on God and not our circumstances we allow him to move on our behalf and in his time!  No matter how your past or current circumstances look, remember that ALL THINGS are possible through God! Checkout more Sequoia sentiment posts here.

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New Encouraging Series :: Sequoia Sentiments

Hello everyone and I pray that all is well!  I'm excited to start the new series "Sequoia Sentiments" for the month of May.  So you may have wondered why I have chosen the six specific scriptures that I currently offer for my Sequoia collection.  This series will give you insight on my selection of these six, personal reference to each one, and a way to encourage each of you!  I pray that you will find these scriptures uplifting and perhaps share your favorite and how it has enpowered you.

To start the series,we will take a look at Proverbs 3: 5-6:

Proverbs 3:5-6 is my favorite scripture because it reminds me that I'm not in control and that EVERYTHING is under God's control.  The last two years have been a whirl-wind for my family and I must admit that I have struggled for a long time with letting go and giving everything to God.  I was raised to be very independent, hard work, achiever, and taught to trust God!  I'm thankful that my parents raised me this way, but I found that it wasn't until I got older and started to go through somethings for me to realize that I wasn't truly honoring God's word.  In every circumstance, I thought I had a solution that would work and majority of the time I would pray that God would bless what I wanted.  I never took the time to see if I was being obedient and praying that HIS will be done.  That was the problem....doing my own will!

 I eventually came to the point where I was tired of banging my head on the wall ("throwing in the towel") or rather these so called quick fixes. Through the support of my sister, Chantel, she helped me to realize that I was running out of towels ("How many towels do you have Chamel?" LOL) and that I couldn't live the life God had promised me until I SURRENDERED all to him.  I started praying and studying more and God led me to Proverbs 3:5-6.  The words were so clear to me...I could finally understand them!  Sometimes you don't understand the meaning of a scripture until you through something....helps grow your faith.  My heart's desire is to give God with EVERYTHING and not to get consumed with knowing all the answers.  My job is to TRUST and let him work it all out!  I pray that you will take some time to ponder on this scripture and allow it to minister to your heart! Just take life one day at a time....God doesn't expect us to be perfect, but to make progress.  Choose to surrender all and TRUST HIM 100%.

Checkout more Sequoia sentiment posts here.

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